Wicklow family business at Mount Usher Gardens to close after more than 40 years of business
Strawbridge located in the shopping courtyard of Mount Usher Gardens.Family-owned business Strawbridge, founded in 1984 in order to restore antique furniture to its former glory, and expanding over the years to increase their furniture range, while also specialising in homeware, art-work, garden accessories and fashion, will close their doors for the final time on Sunday, February 28.The business was established by David and Mary Strawbridge in the shopping courtyard of the famous Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford, and now after over four decades, the couple have decided to retire.David said: “After 40 plus years it was just time to retire. Running a small, independent business is an all consuming job and we just need to stop. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the community at the beautiful Mount Usher Gardens since 1985.“We are so grateful to al of our loyal customers. They are wonderful people and it has been an absolute pleasure. We developed relationships with so many customers and became very pally with them. We have loved getting to know our customers over the years and being a small part of their lives. Strawbridge has often been described as a place akin to Aladdin's cave, full of treasures; and while the beautiful pieces that we have sold over the years have also filled us with delight, we know that it's not the products that make the business, it's the people."We have also been blessed with our fantastic staff, both past and present. Our staff have become like family to us and we will dearly miss seeing them every day.”For the next number of weeks Strawbridge will be holding special sales with recued offers, before the shutters finally come down on the business.“There are a lot pf people coming in and we are extremely busy,” said David. “Some people are very sad we will be closing and we have been receiving really heartwarming messages from people coming into the shop, or ringing us to pass on lovely messages or posting them up on Facebook.”While David and Mary are looking forward to their retirement, they are still bracing themselves for their final day of business."You do find yourself reflecting back on things,” stated David. “To begin with I was travelling around the country buying up old wooden furniture, then stripping it down and repurposing it for sale. We started adding a few items for decorating the furniture, and over the years that actually became more important than the furniture. It will be an emotional occasion as the business has been such a huge part of our lives for so long.”
